The villa is one of the largest in Britain, and is located in a region where such buildings are more common than in the rest of the country, this being a rich agricultural area even today, and the ideal setting for the traditional Roman style of farming. It is unusual in that it faces east and stands in a sheltered, but shady, position overlooking the river Coln. The rooms are arranged around a courtyard, and are believed to have been used by an extended family or perhaps, at one stage, by two separate families. The phases of building range from the first to the 4th century. The floors of several of the rooms are decorated with fine mosaics.